Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel)

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) is a multi-purpose vehicle that emerged from the joint venture between Ashok Leyland and Nissan. It is essentially a re-badged version of the Nissan Evalia but with several key improvements. The Stile is powered by a 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine, producing 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque, which has been tuned for better fuel efficiency. The vehicle features a monocoque chassis and leaf springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride even on rough surfaces. The interior, while Spartan, is well-built and includes features like tumble fold seats, rear AC vents, and sliding windows for the second row. The Stile offers ample space, with the second row seats sliding to optimize legroom and the third row being usable, although it lacks AC vents. The vehicles design is utilitarian but has been polished with a tough-looking front and optional 15-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the Stile is a robust, practical, and spacious MPV that is well-suited for those needing a reliable and efficient people-mover.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) is a practical and robust MPV that caters well to the needs of fleet operators and those seeking a no-frills, spacious vehicle. While it may not impress with its interior quality or feature list, it makes up for it with its durability, spaciousness, and competent performance. The Stile improves upon the Nissan Evalia, its counterpart, by offering better fuel efficiency and some crucial features like sliding rear doors with openable windows. However, it lacks essential safety features such as ABS, EBD, and airbags, which might be a concern for some buyers. Overall, its a solid choice for those prioritizing practicality and value over luxury and advanced features.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) was produced until May 2015, when Ashok Leyland shut down its production due to low demand. This decision marked the end of a vehicle that was primarily targeted at the fleet market, including hotel chains and courier companies. I think the lack of demand was partly due to its utilitarian design and limited features.

The Stile LS 8 Seater was praised for its easy driving experience, with a light and direct steering, a comfortable ride, and a wide turning circle. However, it lacked advanced safety features like ABS, EBD, and airbags, which might have been a deterrent for some buyers.

Ashok Leyland targeted the Stile at commercial users, such as taxi operators and fleet owners, rather than individual car buyers. The vehicle was manufactured at the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s facility outside Chennai. This strategic targeting was aimed at leveraging the vehicles spacious and robust design.

In July 2013, the Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) was launched in India, priced at Rs. 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The vehicle was a rebadged version of the Nissan Evalia, with a detuned 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine producing 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque. It was available in various seating configurations, including 7 and 8 seater options.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater had a spacious interior with sliding windows and a dedicated AC blower for the second row. However, the third row seats were bolted to the floor, which affected the boot space. This design choice was likely to prioritize passenger comfort over cargo space.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) was launched at an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.56 lakh in India. When considering on-road prices, you can expect to add around Rs 1-1.5 lakh for taxes, registration, and other costs, bringing the total to approximately Rs 10-10.5 lakh. This pricing makes the Stile a competitive option in the MPV segment, especially when compared to the more expensive Toyota Innova. However, its important to note that the Stiles pricing strategy is more aligned with attracting fleet and rural buyers rather than urban car enthusiasts.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 8 Seater (Diesel) boasts an impressive ARAI mileage of 20.07 kmpl, which is slightly better than its counterpart, the Nissan Evalia. This fuel efficiency is a significant selling point, especially for those concerned about running costs. In real-world conditions, you can expect a mileage close to 18-19 kmpl, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership.